Operation Laser Kiwi: help us take New Zealand-made energy on the road
Rewiring Aotearoa is organising an electric vehicle showcase at the Wheels at Wānaka event on April 19-20. We've already got a few gems lined up, like an electric Hilux, the Forest Lodge Monarch tractor, Nomad safaris' electric bus and Mainfreight's electric truck, and we're hoping to get an electric Hummer, a solar-powered scooter and one of the world's oldest electric cars from 1904.
We have space to show off a couple more interesting electric vehicles in our designated zone 'Electric Avenue', so if you've got an amazing machine that could be a drawcard, get in touch.
Tesla Motors NZ's Cybertruck and Hayden Paddon's electric Hyundai NZ rally car will also be at the event, and they will join the other electric vehicles for a lap around the parade grounds.
We're keen to get some more local EVs of all stripes along for these laps. If you want to join in the fun, you'll need to sign up as an exhibitor ($25) and park up alongside all the other vehicles.
Head to www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz/exhibit/exhibitors to get your ticket and let us know if you're coming!
People installing solar power systems with batteries on their homes, hoping to avoid the disruption of a power cut, are being told to check with the installer that the battery can provide that protection.
Read moreDownloadKiwis are catching on to the benefits of solar panels - and demand's spiking ... But the industry warns we need about six thousand more trained electricians - across the country - to do the work. Rewiring Aotearoa Chief Executive, Mike Casey told Heather du Plessis-Allan he hopes interest will continue over time. He says oil shortages because of the Iran war is keeping demand high - with energy prices climbing. He says solar is the one reprieve Kiwis get.
Roger Robson-Williams owns 20% of New Zealand's electric tractor fleet. That sounds impressive, until you learn there are only five of them. But, like his fellow electric tractor enthusiast Mike Casey, he's on a mission to change that by providing a bit of inspiration and information.
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